Greece To Join Visa Waiver Program In 30 days

Athens (March 10, 2010) -- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has announced that Greece will join the VWP.  This decision is a major milestone reflective of the strong and enduring relationship between the U.S. and Greece.  The effective date is in approximately 30 days.   This program will make it very convenient for most Greek citizens to travel to the United States, strengthening the long-standing family, educational, social and business ties between the two countries.

“This is an exciting day for both the United States and Greece. A lot of hard work and cooperation by a lot of people in the U.S. and Greek governments have made visa waiver a reality for Greek citizens.” said U.S. Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard.

The Visa Waiver Program enables Greeks travelling to the U.S. for tourism or some business purposes to stay in the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, though travelers will have to complete some information online prior to traveling.  To visit the U.S. without a visa, a traveler will need the following three items:

1. A passport with an integrated chip containing the information on the data page which the Greek government has been issuing since August 26, 2006 and have the microchip symbol on the cover.*
2. A valid return or onward, non-transferable airline ticket with a VWP-participating airline
3. An on-line authorization or permission called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

* Greeks with passports issued before August 26, 2006 must still apply for a visa or obtain a new Greek passport to take advantage of VWP
The ESTA is an electronic form which must be filled out on line at the following and only the following web site: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.  It is similar to the forms travelers have filled out prior to landing in the United States.   Currently there is no fee for ESTA applications, however, there is likely to be a modest application fee in the future.  Travelers are strongly advised to avoid the numerous websites which charge fees for submitting applications on their behalf. 

After filling out the form, in the vast majority of cases, ESTA immediately indicates travel has been authorized.  The authorization should be printed and brought to the airport. The ESTA authorization normally will be valid for two years, but if the passport expires, the traveler must apply again.

Travelers without an ESTA approval or a visa will be denied admission at the U.S. port of entry. Travelers who have previously been denied a visa, previously refused entry to the United States, or previously removed from the U.S. are not likely to obtain ESTA approval.  Such applicants should apply for a visa at the Embassy.
 
Visas will still be required for those Greek visitors planning to stay in the U.S. for longer than 90 days or who are traveling for example to study, participate in exchange programs, to work temporarily, or as a media representative.

Those who already have a valid B1/B2 visa can still use it to travel for tourism or business and need not apply for an ESTA.
For detailed information about the Visa Waiver Program, visit the U.S. Embassy’s website: http://athens.usembassy.gov.